Question 1

How much does the IRS Fresh Start Program actually cost to qualify for?

Accepted Answer

The IRS Fresh Start Program itself doesn't cost anything - these are official IRS policies available to qualifying taxpayers. However, you'll typically need professional representation to navigate the complex application process successfully. Most people try to handle this themselves and get rejected because they don't understand the intricate financial calculations or miss critical deadlines. The IRS rejects most Offers in Compromise because they're not prepared correctly. When you work with experienced tax professionals, you're investing in expertise that dramatically increases your chances of approval and often saves you far more than the professional fees cost.

Question 2

What happens if I owe more than $50,000 in back taxes?

Accepted Answer

You can still qualify for Fresh Start Program benefits even if you owe more than $50,000, but the process becomes more complex. For streamlined installment agreements, you'd need to reduce your balance to $50,000 or less through partial payments first. For Offers in Compromise, there's no debt limit - we've successfully settled cases involving hundreds of thousands in tax debt for just hundreds of dollars. The key is proving to the IRS that you'll never be able to pay the full amount based on your income, expenses, and asset equity. Higher debt amounts often mean better settlement ratios because the IRS would rather collect something than nothing.

Question 3

How long does the Fresh Start Program application process take?

Accepted Answer

Timeline varies significantly based on which program you're applying for and how complex your case is. Installment agreements can often be approved within 30-60 days if all paperwork is submitted correctly. Offers in Compromise typically take 6-12 months because the IRS conducts a thorough financial investigation. During this time, collection activities are suspended, which means no wage garnishments or bank levies. Currently Not Collectible status can sometimes be achieved within weeks if you're facing immediate financial hardship. The key is getting your application right the first time - resubmissions add months to the process.

Question 4

Will the IRS Fresh Start Program stop wage garnishment immediately?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. Once we submit certain Fresh Start applications like an Offer in Compromise or request Currently Not Collectible status, the IRS must suspend collection activities including wage garnishments while they review your case. For installment agreements, we can often get immediate relief by demonstrating you're working in good faith to resolve the debt. If you're already facing garnishment, we can sometimes get it released within days by showing financial hardship or procedural errors in how the IRS implemented the levy. The key is acting quickly - the longer you wait, the more limited your options become.

Question 5

Can I apply for the Fresh Start Program if I haven't filed all my tax returns?

Accepted Answer

You must be current on all required tax filings before the IRS will consider any Fresh Start Program applications. This is actually one of the most common reasons applications get rejected - people try to resolve their debt before getting compliant with filing requirements. The good news is we can prepare all your missing returns quickly, often uncovering deductions and credits that reduce what you actually owe. Sometimes people discover they don't owe as much as they thought, or even that they're entitled to refunds for some years. We handle the entire process of getting you current on filings and then immediately move into debt resolution.

Question 6

What makes All County Tax Resolution different from other tax companies?

Accepted Answer

We're actually based in Pennsylvania, so we understand the local tax landscape and challenges facing families in areas like Boyds Mills. Unlike the big national companies that operate like call centers, you'll work with the same tax professional throughout your entire case. We also don't make unrealistic promises or charge upfront fees before we've thoroughly analyzed your situation. Many companies will tell anyone they can settle for "pennies on the dollar" just to get you signed up. We give you honest assessments of what's actually possible based on your specific circumstances. Would you go to court without a lawyer? Of course not. Then why would you go before the IRS without a trusted tax professional? End the sleepless nights. Call 570-630-0201 or book online today.

IRS Fresh Start Program Boyds Mills, PA